Found Deceased TX - Sherin Mathews, 3, Richardson, 7 Oct 2017 #8 *Arrests*

[MarisaS1985]

This is what I understand, from what I have read/watched. The x-rays in March showed further healing to the fractures that were found in the x-rays in February. If the fractures had occurred in India, they would have been completely healed, and would not have shown further healing in that month's time. I could be wrong, but that I what I have understood.

Still haven't caught up fully, but my understanding is that based on the amount of healing done in that month, it wasn't consistent with the alleged rate of healing to fit with the injuries happening in India.

Example
Sherin is in India and breaks femur. Poor nutrition makes an injury that would take say 3 months to heal on a healthy child, take more like 6 or 9 months. BUT THEN, the dr sees the injury in February and says okay, well I can't assess when this happened, so come March when the bone has properly healed for what a relatively normal, healthy person of her age would heal, the Dr is then able to say that this injury didn't happen in July or prior to July when she was adopted and then continue to heal super super slow and then miraculously begin to heal really quickly in that months time. The bones are telling a very clear story as to how they grow, how they fuse together, and so on. Just like if you were to fall and break your wrist, then you were stubborn and didn't follow the rules for how much you should lift etc, the healing would be slower and your Dr would be able to tell. Heck, I have known people who are smokers who get an xray and the Dr is able to tell they are smokers despite them saying they are not, based on how fast/slow they are healing.

JMO and how I took this statement to mean.

 

[nannymo]

Hank Whitman, head of Texas CPS, answers questions. transcript is at this link of the full interview.
http://www.wfaa.com/news/cps-commissioner-child-protective-services-failed-sherin-mathews/495948908

He says CPS could have done a better job. He is clearly laying responsibility on them. He is very emotional. He is going to call for more funding, so they can do their job more properly with a separate investigative unit.

When the Doctor at Children's Hospital reported to CPS, Sini Mathews was a nurse employed by the Children's Hospital....

The doctor spoke to CPS TWO TIMES. In March, and then again in July.

And she was employed there still until this month it states!

 

[MarisaS1985]

Agreed. I'm really surprised there wasn't more done. Unless she was referred and the parents never took her to the appointment?

I have had a child in a Spica cast, not because of a femur break, but as a result of hip surgery to correct hip dysplasia. A spica cast is a huge thing, both literally and figuratively. My daughter's was a chest to toe body cast. It took so much work to take care of, but as her mom I never even questioned it. I need my child to get better. I spent a lot of time perfecting diapering and making sure her skin stayed as clean and healthy as possible. I'm a nurse and thought what a challenge it must be for non-medically trained parents.

I belong to several spica cast groups and some kids are in there for femur breaks. Usually young kids jumping off a really high place. Ex jumping off the top of the couch, off a playground. They end up in the ER in excruciating pain! I can't imagine a kid would just go on with life. I'm so horrified to think of how Sherin must have reacted to the break and they ignored her!

Otherwise there are kids with breaks from OI- osteogenesis imperfecta. Very rare condition where there's a mutation on a collagen gene and bones are super brittle and can break doing everyday activities. If this was suspected they'd have done genetic testing and sent her to multiple specialists. Since we're not hearing that, it sadly sounds like straight up child abuse.

Poor little Sherin.

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Not sure if you would know, but in a case like Sherin's would, this be a genetic test done as part of her autopsy in order to be able to say without hesitation, that there was a more plausible explanation?

My daughter has a friend who we all thought was abused because of how she ALWAYS had a fracture somewhere. We wondered why CPS wasn't involved and had been called, until one day on the sliding hill at school, my daughter and her collided and my daughter didn't even get a bruise, and this girl barely even cried, but an ambulance had to take her and she had broken her leg, a full break at that. It was at that point that since we all knew how it happened that we began to believe that she simply did have weak bones. In her case, vitamin D deficiency as a fetus was what we were all told was the issue. BUT, regardless of how easily she "broke", there was always some sort of impact or fall. She was clumsy and fell a lot, she sat out in gym class because of how easily she got hurt and so on. Her parents are separated and her custody situation is very complex as she has I believe 5 groups of people who had custody, she has since chosen to live in the city with her ex step mom (one of those who had custody), as she got older she "broke" less often as her growing slowed down, but she is 15 now and to my knowledge still does have an injury quite often. It's very interesting to me.

Regardless though, even if Sherin did have an issue similar to my daughters friend, for a child that age, there should have been testing done, there should have been no fake made up excuses as to how things happened, and she should have had a far safer environment to be in. If I had adopted a child and she had a broken bone so quickly afterwards, I would be horrified and wanting to know the who, what, where, when, why, how and would be FIGHTING to get a diagnosis and doing everything possible to ensure the bones healed correctly to avoid things like limps, pain, nerve issues and everything that comes with breaks later in life. I wouldn't be hiding it. I would be exploiting it in a demand for answers and help.

JMO

 

[Margo/Mom]

I think that while the author wrote that with regard to Mariah's case and the potential of a boyfriend in a home with children who are not his own that the important thing is the psychology of an abuser who abuses to achieve power and control over someone. There are plenty of married abusers who abuse their wives and their own biological children. There are plenty of cases of children adopted and then abused in the home.

The author was taking the psychology and applying it to Mariah's case. I had a lightbulb moment while reading it and could see that it could apply in so many cases, and possibly this one, too.

If the long-term apparent abuse was careful and calculated, then the death might have been, too. It might not have been lashing out, it might have been designed this time to have this result.

I just think it's food for thought to see if it might apply here, and I think it might be helpful in other cases to see if it applies in those.

Good points. I think that there are likely multiple paths to abuse, multiple causes and personalities. I think of one as being the kind of child torture portrayed in the story of Sybil (multiple personalities). In that stew there was likely schizophrenia as I recall, in an environment of religious extremism, coupled with societal reluctance to consider a mother capable of such harms.

There are also scenarios involving addiction, where substance use leads to argumentative and physically challenging behaviors--with family members being simply the most convenient targets.

There are also GrouchyMom's lack of tools scenario, which I think can lead to unintended consequences, but also be a point of entry into patterns in which the perp gets hooked into whatever "high" they are getting from the controlling/domineering/abusive situation. And then there is revenge--recalling a local case in which a BF "dribbled" a baby in the street in front of the mother, followed by putting the kid in the dumpster, jumping in and stomping them to death (if not already dead). Neighbors who saw were horrified.

Legally probably irrelevant to understand what was going on in this case. But, there are multiple things that it could be.

 

[Margo/Mom]

I personally think that there should be a required registry for child abusers just like the sex offender register. I have a zero tolerance level for child abuse and death cases. I think the murder of a child should result in a mandatory death sentence. If I sound pissed off, it's because I am.

I believe many states do. Not certain it is completely public information. Generally accessible to licensing orgs, child care providers, etc. There has been some controversy regarding both keeping the lists and making the info public. Some lists have included anyone investigated, which puts some people in a bad light they may not deserve. But, as most abuse is familial, publishing abusers also tends to reveal victims. There are also--depending on the state--various categories of intervention. Some families just need more tools in their toolbox. Others are far more serious. But my understanding is that there is not always complete overlap between CPS/family court decisions and criminal conviction. Just another complicating factor.

 

[nannymo]

This may be answered already, but iirc in Texas you cannot have a felony and be licensed. She was let go from her position I believe the second she was charged, so she isn't currently working, and would likely find it very difficult to get a job, as most criminal record checks also check for things that are pending.

I think when someone looked up her license before that it expired sometime in 2018, so I don't imagine she will be available to renew it. Also, I know in some states you have to have so many hours and other requirements to stay current without needing to go through a re-certification process. I am sure you know more about that than I would given you are a retired nurse.

I am not sure if a state jail felony is the same type of felony that would have her unable to work as a licensed nurse or not though? Would love it if someone who understands these different Texas law terms, would jump in and explain if her charge as is, is enough to have her licensed permanently revoked, or if it would only end with a suspension or reprimand of some sort.

I suppose the fact that we haven't seen or heard of her having any issues filed against her license that it is encouraging in that at least to our knowledge, she didn't hurt any other children.

JMO

I believe she cannot be relieved of her license until due process is done and she is convicted of her crime. She can have a license, but would any organization hire her? I don't think the licensing agency can just put something on someone's license if it has not been proven. Even physician's don't lose their license until due process has been completed. JMO

 

[rosesfromangels]

Not sure if you would know, but in a case like Sherin's would, this be a genetic test done as part of her autopsy in order to be able to say without hesitation, that there was a more plausible explanation?

My daughter has a friend who we all thought was abused because of how she ALWAYS had a fracture somewhere. We wondered why CPS wasn't involved and had been called, until one day on the sliding hill at school, my daughter and her collided and my daughter didn't even get a bruise, and this girl barely even cried, but an ambulance had to take her and she had broken her leg, a full break at that. It was at that point that since we all knew how it happened that we began to believe that she simply did have weak bones. In her case, vitamin D deficiency as a fetus was what we were all told was the issue. BUT, regardless of how easily she "broke", there was always some sort of impact or fall. She was clumsy and fell a lot, she sat out in gym class because of how easily she got hurt and so on. Her parents are separated and her custody situation is very complex as she has I believe 5 groups of people who had custody, she has since chosen to live in the city with her ex step mom (one of those who had custody), as she got older she "broke" less often as her growing slowed down, but she is 15 now and to my knowledge still does have an injury quite often. It's very interesting to me.

Regardless though, even if Sherin did have an issue similar to my daughters friend, for a child that age, there should have been testing done, there should have been no fake made up excuses as to how things happened, and she should have had a far safer environment to be in. If I had adopted a child and she had a broken bone so quickly afterwards, I would be horrified and wanting to know the who, what, where, when, why, how and would be FIGHTING to get a diagnosis and doing everything possible to ensure the bones healed correctly to avoid things like limps, pain, nerve issues and everything that comes with breaks later in life. I wouldn't be hiding it. I would be exploiting it in a demand for answers and help.

JMO

No insult intended (really) - you sound as if you could be writing the script for the defense attorney. This is exactly the baloney they will be trying to sell to the jury. The doctor has dismissed Sini's fairy tale of brittle bones, etc.

I want to see *both* of these Perps prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
That child suffered miserably and then was discarded like trash for vermin to feed on. (Apologies for that gruesome statement - but it's true).

 

[kirkassoc]

Good points. I think that there are likely multiple paths to abuse, multiple causes and personalities. I think of one as being the kind of child torture portrayed in the story of Sybil (multiple personalities). In that stew there was likely schizophrenia as I recall, in an environment of religious extremism, coupled with societal reluctance to consider a mother capable of such harms.

There are also scenarios involving addiction, where substance use leads to argumentative and physically challenging behaviors--with family members being simply the most convenient targets.

There are also GrouchyMom's lack of tools scenario, which I think can lead to unintended consequences, but also be a point of entry into patterns in which the perp gets hooked into whatever "high" they are getting from the controlling/domineering/abusive situation. And then there is revenge--recalling a local case in which a BF "dribbled" a baby in the street in front of the mother, followed by putting the kid in the dumpster, jumping in and stomping them to death (if not already dead). Neighbors who saw were horrified.

Legally probably irrelevant to understand what was going on in this case. But, there are multiple things that it could be.

Then there are some cases where the perpetrators are just plain evil, IMHO. We've all read about them. If we're fortunate, we never meet one. They seemingly have normal child hoods, come from a normal family life and yet are empty and dark. Even psychiatrists can't explain them. I, for one, don't understand how any person could subject a child to abuse like what was done to Sherin. There's absolutely NO justification or "rational" way to understand people like this. I imagine even more horror will come out if and when (as some have said) it comes to trial. I respect others opinions, but I sure don't always agree with them. To me, it doesn't matter how much lipstick you put on that pig, it's still a pig. This comment might be removed, but I don't mean to offend anyone. JMO

 

[kirkassoc]

No insult intended (really) - you sound as if you could be writing the script for the defense attorney. This is exactly the baloney they will be trying to sell to the jury. The doctor has dismissed Sini's fairy tale of brittle bones, etc.

I want to see *both* of these Perps prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
That child suffered miserably and then was discarded like trash for vermin to feed on. (Apologies for that gruesome statement - but it's true).

TOTALLY agree with this! Sometimes, I just have to scroll and roll! There are a few who have different opinions. I respect that, but GEEZ, LOUISE! Listen to that entire video again of Maria Guerrero, please.

 

[Karinna]

No insult intended (really) - you sound as if you could be writing the script for the defense attorney. This is exactly the baloney they will be trying to sell to the jury. The doctor has dismissed Sini's fairy tale of brittle bones, etc.

I want to see *both* of these Perps prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
That child suffered miserably and then was discarded like trash for vermin to feed on. (Apologies for that gruesome statement - but it's true).

That's exactly what the defense attorney will do and try and create reasonable doubt, because that is their job. If the prosecution believe they have a good case against someone they have to prove that to a jury.
We all thought Casey Anthony's case was a slam dunk for killing her toddler and look what happened there. OTOH if the prosecution has an airtight case then there should be a conviction.

 

[kirkassoc]

That's exactly what the defense attorney will do and try and create reasonable doubt, because that is their job. If the prosecution believe they have a good case against someone they have to prove that to a jury.
We all thought Casey Anthony's case was a slam dunk for killing her toddler and look what happened there. OTOH if the prosecution has an airtight case then there should be a conviction.

So very true! But, isn't it a shame that a child murderer (or any murderer, for that matter) gets off scot-free because one man is smarter than the other or one man (or woman) has more money than the other?

I believe I'll stay away from this case for a while. Cases like this make my heart ache. I enjoy reading the comments and following the story, and I am hopeful there will be justice for this little baby. I will be praying for that.

 

[Karinna]

So very true! But, isn't it a shame that a child murderer (or any murderer, for that matter) gets off scot-free because one man is smarter than the other or one man (or woman) has more money than the other?

Oh i agree, but it's due process of laws that every citizen is entitled to, innocent until proven otherwise.

 

[crelisacorder]

I personally think that there should be a required registry for child abusers just like the sex offender register. I have a zero tolerance level for child abuse and death cases. I think the murder of a child should result in a mandatory death sentence. If I sound pissed off, it's because I am.

BINGO!!!!!

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[perfectingpink]

I personally think that there should be a required registry for child abusers just like the sex offender register. I have a zero tolerance level for child abuse and death cases. I think the murder of a child should result in a mandatory death sentence. If I sound pissed off, it's because I am.

Kansas has a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry. I assumed all states had one but I have never done any research.

http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/Child-Abuse-and-Neglect-Central-Registry.aspx

 

[MarisaS1985]

No insult intended (really) - you sound as if you could be writing the script for the defense attorney. This is exactly the baloney they will be trying to sell to the jury. The doctor has dismissed Sini's fairy tale of brittle bones, etc.

I want to see *both* of these Perps prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
That child suffered miserably and then was discarded like trash for vermin to feed on. (Apologies for that gruesome statement - but it's true).

HAHAH If this wasn't from you I would be like WHAA?? but for real, I know it does sound that way, but I am really angry about all the things that were basically written off, so I want to know if they can do a test post mortem, to rule OUT any and all possible scenarios that the defense could bring up! The difference between my daughters friend and Sherin, is she is an otherwise happy healthy teenager now and she had been watched carefully by CPS when the kids were preschool age, and her parents fought every step of the way to get a proper diagnosis to get CPS out of their lives. They were able to say with certainty that she DID have weak bones. I think it may have been a bone density scan(?) that helped to diagnosis it, and then they said it was likely due to inadequate vitamin D during pregnancy, BUT it was something diagnosed, unlike Sherin where the Dr said they tested for everything and Sherin didn't have any issues. I guess I am just saying that there are cases of problems in kids who just "break" more easily, BUT if that is the case, it can still be diagnosed AND regardless of whether you have a child who breaks easily or not, it is your job as a parent to protect that child. They should have advocated for Sherin and pushed further for a diagnosis instead of asking to go see a GP over a pediatric specialist. If it was my kid, I would be begging to see the best of the best, not just blaming gravity, and I would pad my whole house if I had to to at least give the kid a safe place when the rest of the world can cause injury so easily.

JMO

 

[crelisacorder]

HAHAH If this wasn't from you I would be like WHAA?? but for real, I know it does sound that way, but I am really angry about all the things that were basically written off, so I want to know if they can do a test post mortem, to rule OUT any and all possible scenarios that the defense could bring up! The difference between my daughters friend and Sherin, is she is an otherwise happy healthy teenager now and she had been watched carefully by CPS when the kids were preschool age, and her parents fought every step of the way to get a proper diagnosis to get CPS out of their lives. They were able to say with certainty that she DID have weak bones. I think it may have been a bone density scan(?) that helped to diagnosis it, and then they said it was likely due to inadequate vitamin D during pregnancy, BUT it was something diagnosed, unlike Sherin where the Dr said they tested for everything and Sherin didn't have any issues. I guess I am just saying that there are cases of problems in kids who just "break" more easily, BUT if that is the case, it can still be diagnosed AND regardless of whether you have a child who breaks easily or not, it is your job as a parent to protect that child. They should have advocated for Sherin and pushed further for a diagnosis instead of asking to go see a GP over a pediatric specialist. If it was my kid, I would be begging to see the best of the best, not just blaming gravity, and I would pad my whole house if I had to to at least give the kid a safe place when the rest of the world can cause injury so easily.

JMO

This, THIS!!!! THIS, is what I love about this group!!! No offense taken, by anyone.... that I've read!!! Just great conversation! Even under these circumstances, it is amazing that everyone is so respectful!!!

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[MzOpinion8d]

Does anyone recall how it came to be known that she'd had that elbow injury? I know that one in particular had been discussed on here previously.

 

[rosesfromangels]

This, THIS!!!! THIS, is what I love about this group!!! No offense taken, by anyone.... that I've read!!! Just great conversation! Even under these circumstances, it is amazing that everyone is so respectful!!!

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Every thread has its own personality. There is a really good group of people sharing on this thread. I think we are all bonded in our pain over this little child, and desire for change so it doesn’t happen again. Thanks everyone. You’re good people.

 

[Riice]

Every thread has its own personality. There is a really good group of people sharing on this thread. I think we are all bonded in our pain over this little child, and desire for change so it doesn’t happen again. Thanks everyone. You’re good people.

I've lurked in some other threads.. my join date is misleading..

And some people are really... Harsh. I usually duck out or stay silent.

This thread has by far been the beat thread. I get pretty comfortable.. almost like unbuckle my pants after a big dinner comfortable..

So thank you for and thank you for not letting Sherin fade... I'm not sure what it is about her that keeps stuck here.. maybe because I'm Indian.. or because we had so many late term losses before our daughter.. or maybe just at the point in my life where I'm trying to be a better person.

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[MarisaS1985]

I've lurked in some other threads.. my join date is misleading..

And some people are really... Harsh. I usually duck out or stay silent.

This thread has by far been the beat thread. I get pretty comfortable.. almost like unbuckle my pants after a big dinner comfortable..

So thank you for and thank you for not letting Sherin fade... I'm not sure what it is about her that keeps stuck here.. maybe because I'm Indian.. or because we had so many late term losses before our daughter.. or maybe just at the point in my life where I'm trying to be a better person.

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I agree, I lurk in many as many people spew hate and that gets us nowhere. We can hate what happened and the perpetrators, but unless we are working with information through experiences, facts and attempting to understand to the best of our abilities, we won't ever BE THE CHANGE that I hope so many of us desire.